Holt talk indicative of England's problems

The current Premier League scoring charts paint a disappointing picture if you're an England follower.

After Wayne Rooney's haul of 22 Premier league goals, the next full England international strikers on the list are Jermain Defoe and Daniel Sturridge with 10.

In between comes the uncapped pair of Swansea City's Danny Graham and Norwich City's Grant Holt, the latter of which is subject of an online campaign for him to play for England during this summer's European Championships.

It's difficult to overlook Holt's 13-goal haul in England's top flight this season, however his agricultural style and lack of experience at the top level, means his season's goal record pales into insignificance.

England have had their hands burnt when fielding players who have enjoyed decent first season's in the Premier League. Michael Ricketts is the most recent example of having failed to flourish despite domestic success, while David Nugent, a Championship player during his brief international career, failed to build on his one cap.

There's also the question of where Holt would fit in in England's 4-3-3, unless of course the former Shrewsbury Town forward can be accommodated in a system to suit his needs. If England do that, then the country really will have hit rock bottom.

No doubt Holt would represent a low-risk option for The Football Association. The 30-year-old doesn't hog the limelight, clamour to be on the front and back pages, nor does he have an ego to exercise. In contrast to Andy Carroll, a potential accident waiting to happen, Holt would be a reliable choice.

With Rooney certain to travel, and Defoe's experience also making him a likely option then bringing some variety to England's attack will be vital. While Carroll is certainly the long-term option, there's little doubt whose form in the Premier League has been better this season.

For the sake of one tournament, which is likely to be preceded by the appointment of a new manager anyway, would some experimenting not be justified?

In Holt, England would finally be going against the grain and actually selecting an in-form player, not one built on reputation. Granted, any justification for Defoe's selection is down to his experience, but with Darren Bent sidelined, the Spurs striker is worth an inclusion.

However, if England truly want to get the best out of their star players, namely Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, then selecting a holding player would be going against previous showings. For all his international goals, Peter Crouch has rarely shone in the same England side as the pair, while Emile Heskey's performances at the 2010 World Cup were the low point of his international career

Whether interim manager Stuart Pearce or a new man be at the helm for the double-header against Norway and Belgium at the end of May or not, Holt's inclusion will be a big indicator for his chances for a summer selection. In addition, how seriously England are taking this summer's tournament, one they are expected not to win, will be dictated by the selection of players like Holt.

If England are travelling to Poland and Ukraine simply for a holiday, then maybe Holt deserves his time in the sun.

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